UAE Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before you go — from the Burj Khalifa to the desert camps of the Empty Quarter.
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Overview
The United Arab Emirates is seven emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah — of which Dubai and Abu Dhabi account for the vast majority of international visitors. Understanding the difference between them is the first step to planning a trip that delivers what you actually came for. Dubai is the commercial and tourism capital — the city that built the world's tallest tower, the world's largest mall, and an indoor ski slope in the middle of a desert, and did all of it within thirty years. It is spectacular, relentless, and genuinely impressive even for travelers who arrive sceptical. The city has also matured: the cultural infrastructure around Al Quoz, the restored heritage of Al Fahidi, and an increasingly sophisticated restaurant scene give Dubai dimensions that its reputation for spectacle sometimes obscures. Abu Dhabi, the federal capital, operates at a different register. It is wealthier in oil reserves, more considered in its urban planning, and more deliberate in its cultural ambitions. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful buildings constructed in the 21st century. The Louvre Abu Dhabi brought one of the world's great museum brands to the Gulf. And Yas Island — home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit — has established Abu Dhabi as the region's premier entertainment destination. The best time to visit is November through March, when temperatures are warm rather than extreme. May through September is very hot — 40°C and above — which pushes most activity indoors. Dubai's indoor infrastructure makes it viable year-round, but outdoor and desert experiences are best October through April.
Top Attractions
Burj Khalifa
The tallest structure ever built at 828 metres, with observation decks on floors 124 and 148. The view from floor 148 on a clear morning extends across the desert to the mountains of Hatta and across the Gulf toward Iran. Book the sunrise slot online well in advance — it sells out weeks ahead and cannot be purchased at the same price on the day.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The defining building of Abu Dhabi. Its main prayer hall contains the world's largest hand-knotted carpet (5,627 square metres) and one of the world's largest chandeliers. Entry is free but requires a pre-booked free access pass from the official SZGMC portal (szgmc.gov.ae). On Fridays, the mosque operates split visiting hours — open 09:00–12:00, closed 12:00–14:30 for Jumu'ah prayers, then open again 14:30–21:00. The evening visit, when the facade is lit and reflections appear in the surrounding pools, is the most beautiful.
Yas Island
Abu Dhabi's premier entertainment destination. Ferrari World — the world's largest indoor theme park — is home to Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster. Warner Bros. World offers six immersive themed worlds. Yas Waterworld is one of the region's finest water parks. All three are fully operational year-round. Yas Marina Circuit, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix venue, offers guided track tours year-round. Book all theme park tickets in advance — ARTA handles this at itinerary stage.
Dubai Creek & Heritage Souks
The original Dubai. The Creek divides the old neighbourhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai, and the abra water taxis crossing it have done so for as long as the city has existed. On the Deira side: the Gold Souk (tonnes of jewellery on display) and the Spice Souk. On the Bur Dubai side: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort built in 1787.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Opened in November 2017, designed by Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi displays the history of human creativity from prehistoric artefacts to contemporary art under a 180-metre perforated dome that creates a rain of light on the galleries below. The building, sitting on a breakwater in the Gulf, is one of the most architecturally extraordinary museum spaces in the world.
Desert Safari & the Empty Quarter
The Rub' al Khali — the largest continuous sand desert on earth — is accessible within an hour of Dubai or Abu Dhabi. A standard dune safari combines late afternoon dune driving, camel riding, and a Bedouin-style camp dinner. The experience of sitting in a desert camp after dark, with the dunes silent and the city entirely invisible, provides the counterpoint that makes the rest of the UAE make sense.
Local Culture & Cuisine
The UAE's culture is shaped by two realities that coexist gracefully: a deeply traditional Emirati society built around Bedouin heritage and Islamic values, and one of the most internationally diverse urban populations on earth. Emiratis comprise less than 12% of the total population and have developed a cultural confidence that accommodates enormous diversity while maintaining a clear sense of identity. Arabic coffee (qahwa) — pale green, flavoured with cardamom and sometimes saffron, served in handle-less cups — is the primary symbol of Emirati hospitality and will be offered at any formal encounter. It is always accompanied by dates. Accepting both is the correct response. Emirati cuisine centres around machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) and harees (wheat and meat slow-cooked to a porridge consistency, prepared for Ramadan and celebrations). Fresh seafood from the Gulf is excellent in traditional Emirati restaurants. The international restaurant scene in Dubai is world-class and encompasses every cuisine at every price point. Ramadan significantly changes the UAE's rhythm — eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is illegal for everyone. Dress modestly in public spaces, malls, and heritage sites. The legal drinking age is 21; alcohol is served in licensed hotels and restaurants but not in public spaces. Public displays of affection are illegal.
Practical Information
- Visa
- Citizens of most Western countries, GCC states, and many other nationalities receive a visa on arrival or are visa-exempt. ARTA confirms current requirements per passport at time of booking.
- Currency
- UAE Dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at 3.67 AED to 1 USD — fixed and stable. Credit cards accepted almost universally. Cash useful for souks, tipping, and smaller transactions.
- Language
- Arabic is the official language. English is the working language of business and tourism throughout the UAE. Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, and Malayalam also widely spoken.
- Getting Around
- Dubai Metro (Red and Green lines) connects the airport, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina. Taxis are metered and plentiful. Careem and Uber operate throughout. Abu Dhabi to Dubai is best done by taxi or private transfer — approximately 90 minutes. ARTA arranges all inter-city transfers.
- Best Time to Visit
- November through March. May through September is very hot — manageable indoors but uncomfortable outside.
- Safety
- The UAE is consistently rated among the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are extremely low.
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Downtown Dubai — Burj Khalifa at sunrise, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain at night. Day 2: Old Dubai — Al Fahidi, Dubai Museum, Creek abra, Gold Souk, Spice Souk. Day 3: Desert safari — afternoon dunes, camel ride, Bedouin camp dinner.
7-Day Itinerary
Day 1–2: Downtown Dubai — Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Frame. Day 3: Old Dubai — Al Fahidi, Creek, heritage souks, abra crossing. Day 4: Desert safari — dunes, camel riding, overnight camp. Day 5: Transfer to Abu Dhabi — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset. Check in to Yas Island hotel. Day 6: Yas Island morning — Ferrari World or Warner Bros. World. Afternoon: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. Day 7: Return to Dubai. Palm Jumeirah, departure from Dubai International Airport.
Travel Tips
- Book the Burj Khalifa sunrise slot online weeks in advance — it sells out consistently.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque requires a free pre-booked access pass from szgmc.gov.ae — book before arrival. On Fridays, plan around the 12:00–14:30 closure.
- Book Yas Island theme park tickets in advance — ARTA handles this at itinerary stage. Note Ferrari World is closed on Mondays.
- Download Careem or Uber before arrival — more reliable than hailing taxis in some areas.
- Public displays of affection are illegal in the UAE — this applies to all visitors regardless of nationality.
- Dress modestly in malls, souks, and heritage sites.
- Alcohol is only available in licensed hotel restaurants and bars — not in regular restaurants or public spaces.
- Desert safari operators vary enormously in quality. ARTA uses vetted operators only — do not book through hotel lobbies or street touts.
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